Fred Wells was one of the greats, no doubt about it. His shop (a veritable Aladin's cave for anyone with an interest in firearms) in Prescott, AZ was literally around the corner from the home/shop of Paul Marquart, my mentor-emeritus in the barrel making trade. They often had lunch together, and I was privileged to know and talk with them both (sadly, all too few times, all too briefly). Between them, they had done everything there is to do in riflesmithing, and some of Fred's work can only be described as unique. I got to handle the .50BMG bolt gun (one of his super-magnum '98 Mausers, possibly the biggest one ever), and it had a properly-proportioned stock (I.E., for a Titan), but could also be shortened for shooting by mere mortals. Fred (and Paul) were Grand Masters of the Craft - we are the poorer for their absence.
mhb - Mike